1 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 15

after he strangles Rose (Monroe) before realising what he has done. Going back to her body he tells her "You know I loved you," but she was too sexy to live and therefore her sinful body had to be destroyed. Monroe/Rose is shown as a human version of the dangerous and untamed Niagara Falls, with the 20th Century poster featuring the tagline "Marilyn Monroe and Niagara, a raging torrent of emotions that even nature can't control!" It included a photograph of Monroe lying with her gown (and body) combining with The Falls, which Hirsch feels presents Monroe as "a natural splendour." [5] He adds, "In film after film her body is treated as a prize winning object which, in Niagara, threatens to stop the show." [6] Rose's first appearance sees her lying in bed with a satin sheet clinging to her body, clearly naked underneath, as she smokes a cigarette. It is clearly early morning, but she already has her trademark red lipstick on. She sports this shade through the film, which connotes danger, desirability and passion; the same notions her body itself connotes. The next time we see Rose she is dressed in a negligee, pulling on stockings and when she first appears from her cabin in a tight skirt suit and heels, it is to the voyeuristic gaze of her new neighbour Ray Culter (Max Showalter), despite the fact his wife Polly (Jean Peters) is with him. Polly playfully shoves Ray as he stares at Rose, indicating not only that she sees him looking at another woman but reminding him that he does not have a chance with this vision of beauty.' Polly/Peters acts as a complete contrast to Rose/Monroe. Polly embodies the wholesome girl-next-door, always willing to help others, cracking jokes and being an all-round good egg. When Rose later appears in a hot pink satin dress Ray asks his wife "Why don't you ever get a dress like that?" to which Polly replies, "For a dress like that you have to start laying plans when you're thirteen." Although Ray seems to approve, George objects, telling Polly "Did you see that dress cut down to her kneecaps? She's a tramp!" When Polly defends Rose, saying the dress is beautiful George asks if she would wear it. Standing in her own white cotton dress she quickly replies "I'm not the kneecap type." This statement reveals how aware Polly (as a woman) is in the difference between herself and Rose, their styles, how they wish to be perceived and, perhaps most importantly, the differences between their bodies. Polly embodies the average American housewife,

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• ...
• 15
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Marilyn Monroe oddities?
We want to hear your view. Write now!